Autumn and
winter cruises on the Exe Estuary to see spectacle of
nature
Wildlife
enthusiasts can once again get up close to the Exe Estuary’s stunning birdlife
as the RSPB launches its 32st season of Avocet Cruises.
Hopping
aboard, visitors can expect to see some of the 40,000 birds that call the
estuary home during the autumn and winter months. Among the most anticipated
sights are black-tailed godwits, brent geese and red-breasted mergansers,
species coming from as far away as Siberia and Scandinavia. There is also a
chance of seeing other wildlife including grey seals.
Speaking for
the RSPB in the West Country Tony Whitehead said; “These cruises have long been
an excellent way for people to experience just how amazing the Exe is. I’ve long
felt it is simply one of the best places for wildlife watching anywhere in the
UK in the winter months.
“What could
be better than watching huge flocks of Brent geese alight on the silvery silt
banks of the river, or of course the remarkable spectacle of avocets flying low
over the water’s edge, their white feathers gleaming in the cold winter
light.”
The RSPB
offers two sorts of cruises. One lasting three to four hours takes people from
Starcross to the mouth of the estuary, up to Topsham then back to Starcross. The
second lasts one to one and a half hours, starting and finishing in Topsham.
The first
cruise will be held on Tuesday 3 September at 12:30pm departing from Starcross.
Then after the winter cruises start on 3 November.
All profits
from the Avocet Cruises go towards RSPB conservation projects. Early booking is
advised, as the trips are extremely popular. To book tickets call the RSPB south
west regional office on 01392 432691. For details, including times and departure
points visit
